Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Note: this course is only available part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Build foundational advanced practice in mental health with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Nursing. Designed for practising nurses, this flexible course develops the core knowledge and skills to support people experiencing mental health challenges across a range of settings. In this course, you will explore holistic mental health assessment, major mental health conditions and person-centred approaches to care.
Develop your understanding of therapeutic and pharmacological interventions, alongside trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practice. Through a focus on the biological, psychological and social factors that influence mental health, you will strengthen your ability to recognise and respond to complex presentations. This course provides a strong foundation for working within multidisciplinary teams and progressing to further specialised study.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Nursing
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H579
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Nursing you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Workload
As an online student in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. Refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information.
Inclusive learning support
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with no conditions or restrictions
- Registration as a registered nurse in the country of practice or equivalent and Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- CEFR Proficient User Level C1
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The estimated tuition fee shown is the student contribution amount.
$2,454 - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Deakin alumni discount
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Nursing, students have the option to further their studies by articulating into the below courses:
Career outcomes
As government and industry continue to focus on building and securing the mental health workforce, registered nurses with specialised postgraduate qualifications in psychiatric and mental health nursing are in strong demand, and in many services are a minimum requirement to work in the setting following an undergraduate nursing degree.
Deakin’s outstanding employment rate for postgraduate nursing means you can be confident in taking the next step in your career. As a graduate of the Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Nursing you’ll have the skills and knowledge to enhance your mental health nursing career in providing leadership to junior staff, and taking on more clinical responsibility, while enhancing your ability to work with consumers with complex needs.
Upon graduation, you may find work in:
- acute public mental health/psychiatry
- aged care services
- child and adolescent mental health/psychiatry
- forensic services
- mother and baby services
- community mental health
- drug and alcohol services
- private mental health
Professional recognition
Nurses employed in a health service with mental health postgraduate qualifications, may be eligible for a higher duties allowance relevant to their practice.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Analyse and apply theories and evidence informed practice to facilitate recovery-oriented, trauma informed and consumer-centred mental health nursing care. |
| Apply advanced therapeutic communication skills and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to promote the advocacy, agency and self-determination of mental health consumers, families and carers. |
| Maintain and advance mental health nursing knowledge and practice through the critical analysis of mental health research using digital technologies. |
| Apply critical thinking nursing skills through the analysis, evaluation, and critique of evidence-based sources to inform clinical decision making. |
| Assess, plan an deliver mental health nursing care to diverse consumers with complex mental health needs. |
| Practice independently demonstrating accountability and personal responsibility, whilst reflecting on nursing practice. |
| Collaborate with mental health consumers and the multidisciplinary team to optimise consumer outcomes and engagement. |
| Maintain professional and ethical standards of nursing practice whilst recognising diverse cultural and community perspectives. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
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